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The message read:“On behalf of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, may I offer you, and indeed the whole team of players for Bradford City, huge congratulations on your incredible success.

“If His Holiness' blessing has helped in any way towards your wonderful efforts, I hope that blessing will continue to bring you good fortune.

“He would hope that this tremendous achievement can be turned into an opportunity to help others, demonstrating the power of sport to bring happiness to others on and off the pitch.

“He remembers his time in Yorkshire with great affection and wishes you every success in the big match. Of course, we at the Office of Tibet also wish you the best of luck in the final!”

Friends of Bradford City’s chairman Mark Neale said: “When I opened the letter you could have blown me over with a feather. FIrst I get the shock of reaching a major Cup final, then receive a letter from the Dalai Lama. The heart can’t take much more.”